2012 Illinois High School Standouts - Corn Belt 10 Unanimous Picks

Hard hitters, top fielders, fast runners and top of the line pitchers

According to the chit-chat around mid-Illinois, the Bloomington/Normal and Pontiac areas of Illinois, the selection of all-around high school men’s baseball players and women softball standouts has been released

The Pantagraph Newspaper/on-line, the voting by Corn Belt League’s coaches and www.baseballhistorian.com administrator and staff here-in lies the results

Jacob Hendren, Senior at Normal University High School Class 2 A is the Unanimous choice as Corn Belt Conference Pitcher and Infielder by posting a sterling mound record of 9-1 wins/losses, a stingy 1.33 ERA with 94 Ks in just 68.1 innings. As a batsman, Jacob Hendren hoisted a robust .379 batting average, including 21 extra base hits.

Corn Belt Conference Unanimous choices included infielder Zack Talbert of Olympic and outfielder Joe Anderson of Eureka. Anibal Torres, a leading batter and outfielder for Central Catholic was also a unanimous pick.

First Team Award Selection High School Baseball

Jared Hendren at University High (twin brother of Jacob) had an outstanding season on defense at the shortstop position and was one of the league’s top batters.

Sean Coonan, pitcher for Central Catholic, dominated opposing batters during his tenure in the Corn Belt League.

Joe Kennedy, an infielder and teammate of outfielder Cully Day at Mahomet-Seymour, both made the first team selection.

Darren Raby, designated hitter at Prairie Central, rose to the occasion and was one of the league’s big hitters.

Unanimous Awards for Corn Belt League High School Softball

April Lynn, catcher for Pontiac High, strong armed thrower, excelled on defense and outstanding batsman. Lexi Litwiller, catcher for Eureka High, great skills all-around and team player.

Ali Haesele, fastball pitcher of Olympia High School and Emma Ross, fleet-footed outfielder and one of the leading hitters of the Corn Belt Conference.

Jessica Roberts, infielder for Mahomet-Seymour, leading infielder, strong, rapid throwing arm and leading batter.

First Team Softball Awards Corn Belt Star Players

Star Infielders:

Lindsey Krippel, Prairie Central High School, quickness and sure-handed on defense and clutch-hitter.

Shannon Stuart, senior at U High, outstanding fielding at the third base position and long ball hitter. Shannon Stuart provided clutch hits all season long.

Klair Hartzold, infielder for Olympic High School, gains first team award for outstanding defense and batting. Alex Jacobs, Pontiac High, team player, excelled on offense and defense.

Outfielders:

Courtney Ross, of Central Catholic High School, one of the league’s top fielders and excellent bat control.

Lauri Riddell, of U High, was a sophomore in 2012 season and was one of the  Corn Belt League’s long ball hitter – hitting line drives over the outfield walls… Wow!

Alyssa Spoerer, designated player/ utility star at Mahomet-Seymour High School. Quick stepping, line drive hitter with great batting eye.

Kali Riddell, designated player/utility/and pitcher for U High in Normal, Illinois. Excelled at all positions on the baseball diamond. Quick wrist in batter’s box, Kali Riddell was one of the team’s starting pitchers until she injured her left hip.     

Corn Belt League Awards Baseball and Softball Page 323 by Baseball Historian